Learners at all levels can grow their knowledge of dance through engaging with Dance Consortium’s diverse range of International companies. Our international artists present dance rooted in different dance traditions and blending styles and influences. Recently these have included African, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian dance styles.

Masterclass MMDG, Canterbury. Photo: David Oxberry

Mark Morris Dance Group masterclass, Canterbury. Photo: David Oxberry

Introductory notes, resources packs and digital content support students to develop and practice their critical appreciation through discussion points to stimulate discussion before and after a show visit or creative tasks to use in the dance studio or at home.  

Repertory-based workshops on tour give an inspiring chance to learn first-hand with international performers. Get in touch to connect with our learning opportunities. 

Tips for group leaders to prepare for a theatre visit

Youth group at Dada Masilo's Giselle workshop, Sadler's Wells, London. Photo: Fiona Ross

For teachers, taking a group to the theatre provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge of dance and document their experience. 

Teachers and groups leaders can be encouraged to support this through:   

  • Engage learners in some preliminary research of the dance company, choreographer and the works 
  • Lead a discussion prior to the visit to develop an awareness of live performance in a theatre. 
  • Attend a post-show talk can be very beneficial. Each venue is hosting one free talk, offering the chance to put questions to the company. Hosted by a local dance professional, audiences will hear about the inspirations, influences, challenges and adventures behind presenting the show. There may be some questions students can ask company members about making the show or how it feels to perform in the show. 
  • Set a task with key points for learners to consider during their theatre visit – for example recalling or recording details of costume, music, noting the mood (up-tempo, dynamic, thoughtful, funny) and choreographic style of the dances; or noticing repeated movement phrases or motifs. 
  • Ask students to share initial responses with each other with the performance fresh in everyone’s minds. 

Share feedback with the venue via social media or young writers schemes. Dance Consortium loves to hear feedback on our tours.